Mon–Fri: 8 AM–8:30 PM
Sat: 9 AM–7 PM
Sun: 10 AM–6 PM
SkinSpirit is proud to be Palo Alto's choice for medical spa services for the face and body. We bring more than 20 years of excellence as one of the nation's leading providers of BOTOX®, dermal fillers, medical aesthetics and advanced skincare.
Ready to find joy in your skincare experience? Our services are custom-made, just like you. Discover the SkinSpirit difference by scheduling your free consultation online or calling (650) 324-9600 today!
Anna Gapys, PA-C is a licensed and certified Physician Assistant specializing in Aesthetic Medicine. With experience in Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology, Anna's goal is to create an individualized treatment plan for her patients that enhance their natural beauty.
Anna completed her undergraduate training at the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Microbiology. She subsequently attended and graduated from the University of Florida with a master's degree in physician assistant studies.
When she is not caring for patients, Anna enjoys spending time traveling with her husband and their two boys.
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Cara Dove is a Co-Founder of SkinSpirit with over 25 years' experience in healthcare and medical aesthetics. Having been involved in medical aesthetics since the industry' infancy, Cara has seen tremendous growth. This has given her perspective on the trends in the market and allowed her to develop an intuition about the advancements of medical aesthetics.
Cara's expertise is in ongoing training and development of education and curriculum at SkinSpirit, with a focus on combining the science and artistry of medical aesthetics by using a global approach of combination therapy to yield the most effective and natural results possible. Together with Doctor Vistnes, Cara researches and tests treatments and products for their efficacy and potency before offering them to patients, ensuring that SkinSpirit's patients receive personalized programs using the most advanced technologies and formulations available today.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Cara earned her registered nursing degree at the Calgary Foothills Hospital in 1990. Her early experience in reconstructive plastic surgery and the burn unit taught her valuable techniques and healing therapies that she has incorporated into the development of training curriculum and patient care.
Cara moved to California in 1992, where she worked as a surgical nurse at Stanford Hospital. She has served as a preceptor for a variety of laser companies, training doctors and nurses in the latest laser techniques with a variety of laser and Intense Pulsed Light technology. Cara is considered one of the leading experts in all medical aesthetic therapies, including but not limited to neurotoxins, HA fillers, energy based devices like IPL/BBL, resurfacing, Ultherapy, etc.
Cara, who is the proud mom of two amazing sons, is an active member in the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists and is always up-to-date on the latest advances in plastic surgery.
Cara Dove, RN - A Co-Founder of SkinSpirit and VP of Nursing, Cara brings over 25 years of aesthetic insight and clinical expertise to Palo Alto. Her background spans reconstructive surgery to leading-edge combination therapies, ensuring patients benefit from meticulously vetted, advanced treatments.
Carlos Nusenovich. RN, BSN, is an experienced healthcare professional with an international nursing degree. Following his academic achievements, he spent six years in Switzerland, working in dermatology and pursuing additional studies at the University of Geneva with a focus on Healthcare Management.
Fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, Carlos excels in effective communication with a diverse range of patients.
His dedication lies in achieving facial harmony and providing natural-looking results through aesthetic procedures, including neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and lasers, and also hair restoration therapies.
Carlos is deeply passionate about empowering his patients, fostering confidence, and celebrating natural beauty. Guided by a patient-centered approach, he ensures exceptional care, prioritizing the comfort and well-being of individuals throughout their aesthetic journey.
Cody Lynn Bennight became a registered nurse to specialize in aesthetic nursing upon completing her Bachelor's in Nursing from San Francisco State University in 2016. Her background as a licensed esthetician since 2004 and her passion for skin health has driven her through advanced training in Allergan (Botox, Juvederm, Kybella) and Galderma (Dysport, Restylane) and even a different side of skin in the WOC (Wound, Ostomy, Continence) program at Cleveland Clinic.
Cody Lynn takes a holistic approach to skin health- and that starts at home. Home care is just as important as getting advanced treatments with SkinSpirit to take care of your skin and maintain what we can treat. One of her favorite treatments is laser resurfacing but she believes in multiple modalities to optimize results from each treatment.
Cody Lynn loves volunteering and educating her patients to help them show their inner beauty on the outside.
Cody Lynn Bennight, BSN, RN, CANS: Dedicated to helping inner beauty show on the outside, Cody combines her passion for education with technical skill at SkinSpirit Burlingame and Palo Alto. An esthetician since 2004, she takes a holistic approach to empower clients through knowledge and treatment.
With over 22 years of experience in the medical and dermatology field, Hannah is a Nationally Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She's a graduate of the McGill University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Hannah completed her graduate studies in Family Practice at Samuel Merritt University.
Hannah began her professional career at Stanford Medical University and has extensive experience in trauma, Neurosurgery, Oncology and Dermatology. Since becoming interested in dermatology and cosmetic surgery seven years ago, Hannah has specialized in a variety of skin conditions such as Rosacea, moderate to severe acne, pigmentary, vascular lesions, facial aesthetics and cosmetics.
With such an extensive background in medicine, dermatology and cosmetics, Hannah combines the science of skin with SkinSpirit's state of the art technology into effective skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments. She has extensive experience in laser resurfacing, Ultherapy, intense pulsed light, laser hair removal, BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport, fillers and PRP for hair and skin rejuvenation.
Hannah is passionate about helping her clients achieve the most natural, youthful results. She particularly enjoys the challenge of assisting clients to overcome difficult skin conditions. Hannah's clients always compliment her on being caring, knowledgeable and an expert at what she does. Hannah truly enjoys working with her SkinSpirit team and values their team attitude.
In her free time, Hannah volunteers for the American Academy of Dermatology, performing skin cancer screenings. She's also a consultant and guest lecturer for several pharmaceutical companies. Hannah resides in Palo Alto with her family and dog, Coco.
Hannah Zare, MSN, FNP-C - With over 22 years in medicine, including extensive dermatology experience at Stanford, Hannah tackles diverse skin concerns. She expertly combines advanced technologies like lasers and Ultherapy with injectables, aiming for natural, youthful results even for challenging conditions.
Joanne Lahip studied at Sacramento State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a practitioner, she loves empowering her patients through education and exploring all options that will help them reach their beauty goals. She approaches all appointments with the objective of highlighting natural beauty and boosting confidence.
Joanne is passionate about helping patients step into the world with confidence as the best version of themselves. Her favorite treatment is dermal filler injections because you can use it in multiple areas of the face to restore volume loss and get an instantly rejuvenated appearance.
Outside of work, you can find Joanne journaling, meditating, exploring new cities, and eating at new restaurants!
Joanne Lahip, BSN, RN: Joanne empowers her clients through education at SkinSpirit Burlingame and Palo Alto, exploring all options to highlight natural beauty and boost confidence. She particularly enjoys using dermal fillers for their ability to instantly restore volume and provide rejuvenation.
Julianne graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of San Francisco. Her career in aesthetics allows her to have a creative outlet and utilize her passion for art and medical knowledge. Julianne values building meaningful relationships with her clients and approaching the person as a whole to achieve their aesthetic goals. She’s committed to reinforcing education and establishing a treatment plan that starts with home care to optimize a client’s results with treatment. Julianne loves the innovation of aesthetics in medicine and constantly seeks to learn.
Her favorite treatment is facial balancing using neurotoxins and filler. They can restore a rejuvenated appearance and enhance a person’s natural features.
Outside of work, Julianne loves quality time with her friends and family or doing arts and crafts. She’s a proud mom of a Golden Retriever named Boomer, and Lynx-Point Siamese named Kimber.
Julianne Abesamis, RN - Julianne views aesthetics as a blend of art and science, valuing strong client relationships and a holistic approach. She enjoys creating comprehensive plans, starting with home care, and utilizing facial balancing techniques with neurotoxins and fillers for natural enhancement.
Lynn Bartels has been a nurse practitioner and clinical educator for over two decades. Recognized as an expert in the field of facial rejuvenation, she has appeared on television and has been published in national magazines. She has a very busy practice in non-surgical facial aesthetics. Lynn specializes in creating custom facial rejuvenation programs that use combination therapy to produce conservative and natural results. Her practice includes volume replacement and facial shaping with neuromodulators, (BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport) and stimulatory and volumizing dermal fillers (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Sculptra).
These treatments are often done in combination with antiaging skincare products and lasers including: intense pulsed light, radiofrequency technologies and fractional resurfacing and skin-tightening technologies. She is known for her "liquid facelifts" and dermal-filler techniques, which give a naturally refreshed look to the face and require very little recovery time.
Lynn is a graduate of the Harbor-UCLA nurse practitioner program, focusing on adult medicine and women's health. She has also completed extensive certifications and training in all areas of facial rejuvenation. She is a designated clinical expert and highly requested trainer for Allergan and Medicis, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals teaching her skills to Stanford residents in addition to physicians and nurses around the country.
Lynn's extensive knowledge and talent with cutting-edge and minimal-downtime anti-aging treatments have given her a reputation as one of the most trusted and skilled aesthetic practitioners in the country. With her expertise and artistic eye, she will help restore a natural youthful look to your face.
Lynn spends her free time raising two beautiful daughters and fundraising for the "49er Academy" and the East Palo Alto Middle School.
Lynn Bartels, NP - Recognized nationally as an expert in facial rejuvenation with over two decades of experience, Lynn creates custom anti-aging programs at SkinSpirit Palo Alto. She specializes in combination therapies, including her renowned "liquid facelifts" using advanced filler techniques, achieving remarkable natural results.
Lynzy received her Bachelor's in Science of Nursing from Grand Canyon University. She continued on to the National Laser Institute, acquiring certifications in BOTOX and filler injections, PRP, and micro-penning, before launching her career in aesthetics at a medical spa in San Diego.
Lynzy finds BOTOX to be one of the most impactful treatments offered. "It is a quick treatment that gives big results! It can really help soften fine lines and wrinkles, while leaving expression intact," she says.
She is also a strong advocate of good home care through use of proven skincare products. She finds this enhances a patient's over all appearance, quality of their skin, and confidence. By combining her love of science and beauty, Lynzy is able to work with her patients to achieve optimal results.
Lynzy's passion for helping others feel their best inside in out is a quality that truly draws patients to her. She finds fulfillment in accomplishment - whether that be achieving a new workout goal, successfully cooking a new recipe, or helping her patients achieve their overall goals.
Lynzy Davies (Rigby), RN, BSN - Lynzy combines her love for science and beauty, helping patients achieve their goals both inside and out. Certified in multiple aesthetic modalities, she favors Botox for its impactful yet natural results and strongly advocates for quality home skincare.
Michele Gonzales is a UC Berkeley graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Social Welfare and Jurisprudence, and a graduate from UCSF where she earned her Masters of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery Certificate. After many years of working as a distinguished Nurse Midwife, Michele decided to explore the creative side of nursing with Aesthetics and came to SkinSpirit in 2008.
Michele is passionate about helping her clients look as good as they feel in the most natural way possible. It's her excellent touch and skilled hands that keeps Michele's clients coming back. Michele loves the artistic nature of fillers and Botox/ Dysport and the skin rejuvenation with lasers and MicroPenning. Michele's priority with her clients is always to listen to their concerns and deliver their desired results after many undesired results of her own experience at hair salons.
In addition to being a full-time aesthetics expert, Michele is also a volunteer for The Fistuala Foundation, an organization that provides surgical repairs for women injured during childbirth.
In her free time, Michele enjoys cooking, gardening, caring for her three sons, two grandsons, and her Goldendoodle, Bodhi.
Michele Gonzales, RN, NP, CNM - Bringing a unique background as a distinguished Certified Nurse Midwife (UCSF trained), Michele shifted her focus to the creative side of nursing. She applies an artistic, skilled touch to fillers, Botox, and skin rejuvenation, prioritizing listening to achieve natural, desired outcomes.
With nearly five years of experience in the aesthetic industry and a lifetime of passion, Natalie, PA-C, enjoys constructing individualized treatment plans for her patients to help them achieve natural, transformative results. Her background in neurosurgery and plastic surgery have also given her a keen eye for detail, and it shows in the results her patients are able to achieve at SkinSpirit.
Natalie believes skin health is the foundation of aging gracefully and is passionate about educating her patients on non-invasive treatments and the benefits of medical-grade skincare. She has a fundamental belief that "less is more" and is known for her honesty and building long-term relationships with her patients. Whether her patients need a sprinkle of Botox or full face rejuvenation, Natalie's passion is helping her patients feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in Biology from Louisiana State University, Natalie went on to complete her post graduate work from Bethel University where she received her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies.
An East Coast native, Natalie and her husband moved to the Bay Area in 2015, when he accepted a position with the 49ers. She spends her free time binge watching Netflix, wine tasting, and exploring California with her hubby and two golden retrievers, Grayson & George.
Natalie Gillen, PA-C - Natalie applies a "less is more" philosophy, informed by her background in neurosurgery and plastic surgery. With a keen eye for detail, she prioritizes educating patients on skin health as the foundation for graceful aging, building long-term, honest relationships.
With an undergraduate degree in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master of Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Samuel Merritt University, Tessa Blue has always valued her education. Today, she prioritizes continued education in the aesthetic industry as well as primary care practice to provide wholesome care to each individual.
"I chose to continue my career in medical aesthetics because I understand at a personal level the importance of skincare and enhancing your natural features for both the mind and body- says Tessa." As someone who previously struggled with scarring, acne, and so much more, my passion for aesthetics helps me empower my patients and create treatment plans specific to their needs."
As an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Tessa's #1 goal is to help her patients improve their confidence levels - so that they can be their happiest with themselves. While she performs a variety of modalities at SkinSpirit, Tessa finds that, "Through improved technology, lasers are outstanding in their ability to create excellent results with many common issues we may encounter throughout life, with minimal downtime."
As a born and raised native San Franciscan, Tessa is an enthusiastic foodie who loves to try new places anywhere she goes! When she's not helping patients at SkinSpirit, she enjoys taking her mini Golden doodle, Ares, out to dog-friendly places all over the Bay Area.
Tessa Blue, MSN, FNP-C - Tessa provides wholesome aesthetic care. She draws on her background in Biology and primary care, plus personal experience overcoming skin challenges. Passionate about empowering clients and boosting confidence, she particularly values advanced laser treatments for their impressive results with minimal downtime.
If you live in Stanford, Los Altos Hills, Atherton or Menlo Park, you are just a short drive away from the aesthetic results you've been searching for.We're located in downtown Palo Alto at the corner of Emerson and Hamilton. There is metered street parking available, as well as several public parking garages nearby
Book Your Palo Alto Med Spa Appointment Today
SkinSpirit is your one-stop destination for the med spa services you want and need to feel your best.
Schedule your free consultation today or call us at (650) 324-9600 to learn more about your treatment options.
